Listen in to exclusive discussions

Clubhouse: Drop-in audio cha‪t or Clubhouse is a free chat and instant messaging mobile app that lets you connect with other people inside clubs and virtual rooms. Developed by Alpha Exploration Co., this social and communication app is an invitation-only audio-chat platform.

Unlike social media platforms such as Facebook and Snapchat, Clubhouse doesn’t include images or videos for you to look at. Instead, you enter “rooms” that discuss a variety of topics and listen in like you’re on a one-sided call. These rooms can support up to 5,000 people and are a great way to host seminars and conferences.

What is Clubhouse app used for?

First released in 2020, Clubhouse is an invite-only audio app that lets you connect with people who are similarly interested in your topic preferences, like hobbies and beliefs. This app is unique in that there’s no social feed or dashboard to display posts and whatnot—only “hallways”, “rooms”, and user profile pictures. Basically, you use it to listen in on private room chatter and talk, wherein the host can lead the discussion on the room’s theme or topic. 

It’s akin to a phone call podcast that’s quite flexible in how the conversation could go. Some rooms may go for an interview-style of discussion, where the speaker gives their talk and everyone is just listening in. Some rooms may also do a more casual approach to discussing the subject matter as friends and family would do. Some may also be private and locked rooms. However, to even start using the app, you need to be invited in by an existing Clubhouse user.

Is Clubhouse app free?

Clubhouse is technically free but it requires invitations to even be able to sign up. These must come either from a Clubhouse user or the developer’s approval from the waiting list of users. Once you’re in, you can start dropping into audio conversations—whether they be a group of interesting individuals or just your friends. Mostly, you’ll just be listening in. If you want to interact with the room, you can raise your hand and speak, too. You can also follow and unfollow people and lists, and update your profile.

Aside from that, you can get notifications and real-time updates on the participant list in the rooms of your choice. This app is set up in a way that you feel like you’re roaming a virtual school full of interesting classes and clubs. It doesn’t limit you from being a third party, either—you can create rooms and clubs yourself and moderate them. You can even send out invites to other people so they can start using the app. 

Interact with the world differently

All in all, Clubhouse became highly popular for a good reason. Not only does it provide curated content from a variety of topics that you can listen in on, but it also lets you create your own without having to be bogged down by text posts or videos on your screen. The only major downside to this app is that it’s a bit difficult to get access to.